The rich are going to have to pay more in taxes after the coronavirus pandemic

By Gillian Garaci, San Francisco | 4/22/2020

To the editor: California is in a dire state during these dangerous and unstable times. Millions are out of jobs and are looking to local, state and federal governments for stability.

However, when we see cuts to programs and decreased hours, we lose confidence in our institutions. As Bob Schoonover, president of Service Employees International Union Local 721, said: “We cannot call these men and women heroes and then turn around and attempt to balance the budget on their backs.”

It’s a mistake to think that these budget cuts are entirely the result of the pandemic, whether it’s cuts to school funding or community services. This kind of budgeting has long been present in this country, and the pandemic has only brought it under focus.

Passing the Schools and Communities First initiative this November, which would make some changes to Proposition 13, is essential for our state. It will create reliable funding that will not only allow us to prepare for crises like these, but also help alleviate the hardships we were already facing.